Beckley Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Crime

BECKLEY, W.Va. - Algie Kenya Scales, 50, of Beckley, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation for distribution of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 23, 2023, Scales sold approximately 2.7 grams of fentanyl in Beckley for $300. Scales admitted to the transaction and further admitted to selling approximately 5 grams of fentanyl for $625 on March 2, 2023, and to selling approximately 4.7 grams of fentanyl for $600 on March 8, 2023. Both of the additional transactions occurred at a predetermined location in Beckley.

Scales has a long criminal history that includes two separate prior felony convictions for distribution of a controlled substance.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff's Department, and the Beckley Police Department.

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander A. Redmon and third-year law student intern Benedict Husting prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-167.

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